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mixing and mastering tips

Mixing Tips – Making Everything Work Together

1. Start with the vibe, not the plugins

Before you open 10 effects, just listen. What’s the feeling? What do you want to stand out — the vocal? The drums? The bounce? Let the vibe guide your mix, not the other way around.

2. Faders first, not EQ

The first step isn’t fancy — just get your volumes right. Bring the vocals up, pull the kick back a little, let the bass ride underneath. A solid balance makes everything else way easier.

Sometimes a simple level change is all it takes to fix something.

3. Clean up the low end

Bass and kick fighting? That’s common. You don’t want mud down there.
Try this:

Cut low frequencies from sounds that don’t need them (like guitars or vocals).
Let either the kick or bass take the lead — not both at once.
A little sidechain compression can help the kick punch through.

4. Pan stuff out of the way

Not everything has to sit in the middle.
Pan guitars, backing vocals, percs — spread them out to make room for the lead vocal and drums in the center. It gives the mix some air and space.

5. Use EQ to make space, not just to boost

Instead of always boosting what you like, try cutting what you don’t need.
Too muddy? Try trimming around 300Hz.
Too sharp? Soften the highs.
Less is more here — go gentle.

6. Don’t over-compress

Compression helps control volume and smooth things out — but too much and your track gets flat.
Start light. Make it breathe. You want energy, not a lifeless brick.

7. Add reverb and delay for feel — not to hide stuff

Reverb and delay make things feel alive, but don’t drench your vocals.
Use short, subtle effects to give vocals some space.
A little delay (like a bounce-back echo) can add groove, especially in Afrobeats.

8. Take breaks

Seriously. Your ears lie to you when they’re tired. Step away for 10 minutes, come back, and things will sound different — in a good way.

9. Always compare to something

Play one of your favorite tracks next to yours. Not to copy it — just to see how yours holds up.
Does your vocal sound too low? Is your beat hitting hard enough?

Use references like a mirror, not a rulebook.

Mastering Tips – Making It Sound Big Everywhere

1. Don’t master a messy mix

If the mix isn’t solid, mastering won’t fix it. Get the mix right first — then move to mastering. You’ll save yourself a lot of frustration.

2. Use a limiter to boost loudness, not crush the soul

A limiter makes your track loud — but don’t squash all the dynamics. Push it until it’s full, but back off if it starts to sound harsh or boxy.

3. Gentle EQ for final polish

At this stage, you’re not reshaping — you’re polishing.
Maybe add a little brightness, or tighten up the low end. Tiny moves — like 1–2 dB — go a long way.

4. Test it on everything

Play your track on:

Your phone
A Bluetooth speaker
Your car
Cheap earbuds

If it knocks on a phone speaker, you’re good to go.

5. Don’t chase perfection

Not every track has to sound like it came out of a million-dollar studio. If it feels good, flows well, and sounds clean — that’s a win.

Final Thought: Let the music breathe

Mixing and mastering are important, but don’t let them kill the soul of the track. Sometimes that rawness, that little imperfection — that’s what people connect with.

recording tips

1. Get the vibe right first

Before you even hit record, set the mood. Dim the lights. Light a candle. Whatever puts you in the zone. A relaxed artist delivers better takes — every time.

2. Use what you have, but learn how to use it

You don’t need a million-dollar mic. Even a basic USB mic or budget audio interface can sound great if you set it up right. Learn your gear, know your gain levels, and treat your space as best as you can.

3. Record in a quiet space (duh, but seriously)

Turn off fans. Close windows. Unplug anything buzzing. Background noise is the silent killer of good takes.
If you’re at home, try recording in a closet or hang a thick blanket behind you. It’s ghetto, but it works.

4. Mic placement matters

Keep the mic around 6–8 inches from your mouth. A pop filter helps reduce harsh “P” and “S” sounds. Don’t record too close (muddy) or too far (thin and echoey).

5. Warm up your voice — don’t jump in cold

Do some quick hums, scales, or even talk out loud before recording. Cold vocals = shaky delivery. Warming up gives you better tone and control.

6. Always record multiple takes

Even if your first take sounds fire, do 2–3 more. Sometimes magic happens on take 2 or 3 when you’re more relaxed. Having options makes mixing way easier later.

7. Record dry (no effects)

Record vocals clean — no reverb, autotune, or delay while tracking. You can always add that later when mixing. What you record is what you’re stuck with, so keep it raw and clean.

8. Watch your levels

Avoid clipping at all costs. Aim for your loudest parts to peak around -6dB to -3dB. If it’s too loud, it distorts. If it’s too quiet, you get noise. Find the sweet spot.

9. Stay hydrated

Dry throat = weak vocals. Keep water nearby, and avoid cold drinks or dairy right before recording. Trust.

10. Take breaks — your ears and voice need it

If you’ve been recording for an hour and it starts sounding “off,” take 10. Your ears get tired, and your voice can burn out. Breaks help you stay sharp and consistent.

song writing tips

1. Feel the beat before forcing the words

Start by just sitting with the beat. Don’t rush to write — close your eyes, nod your head, move a little. What’s the beat telling you? Is it giving romance? Party? Pain? Let that vibe shape what the song’s about.

2. Keep it simple, but make it stick

Afrobeats is all about catchy. You don’t need a million words — just the right ones. Focus on creating that hook people can’t stop singing. Simplicity = power, especially in the chorus.

3. Freestyle melodies before writing lyrics

Instead of jumping straight into writing, hit record and hum over the beat. Mumble. Freestyle. Let the melody come naturally. Words can come later — melody carries the emotion.

4. Write like you’re talking to someone

Whether it’s a girl, your friends, or your future self — write your lyrics like you’re having a real convo. That’s how people feel it. No need to sound too “deep” or poetic — just be real.

5. Mix your languages if that’s your thing

If English isn’t your only language, don’t be afraid to switch it up. Throw in some Pidgin, Yoruba, Twi, whatever feels natural. It adds character and feels way more authentic.

6. Let your lyrics bounce with the beat

Think of your words like another drum. Play with rhythm. Leave space. Speed up. Slow down. The way you deliver your lines matters just as much as what you’re saying.

7. Structure helps, but don’t overthink it

A lot of songs go:
Verse – Pre-Chorus – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
But honestly? If your song feels good, the structure will work itself out. Trust your ear.

8. Don’t try to write the “perfect” song

Perfection kills creativity. Let the first draft be messy — it’s part of the process. You can fix lines later. Just get the idea out while it’s fresh.

9. Record everything, even the rough takes

Sometimes the best ideas come in a quick voice note or freestyle. Don’t rely on memory — record everything, even if it’s just on your phone.

10. Study the greats, but stay true to your voice

Listen to artists like Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Rema, Wizkid, Tems, Fireboy, Tiwa Savage — not to copy them, but to learn how they write, structure, and feel their music. Then do you.